Investigators 'Closer' in Search for Missing Arizona Woman

Family of Nancy Guthrie, mother of 'TODAY' co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, visits tribute outside her home as sheriff expresses optimism

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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More than a month into the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Arizona home on January 31, officials continue to chase thousands of leads. Guthrie's family, including her daughter Savannah, the co-anchor of 'TODAY', have visited a growing tribute of flowers outside Nancy's home and are offering a $1 million reward for her recovery. The local sheriff says investigators are 'definitely closer' to solving the case, though he believes Nancy is still alive.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has captured national attention, with the high-profile involvement of her daughter Savannah Guthrie, a co-anchor on the 'TODAY' show. The case has also raised concerns about the safety of elderly residents in the Tucson, Arizona area, where Nancy went missing, and the challenges law enforcement faces in solving missing persons cases, especially those involving vulnerable adults.

The details

According to authorities, Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 after having dinner with her family. She was reported missing the next day when she failed to show up at a friend's home to watch an online church service. The FBI has joined local law enforcement in the search, and the Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward. Investigators have released video footage from Nancy's porch showing a masked, armed man with a distinctive backpack who appears to have tampered with a doorbell camera the morning she disappeared. The sheriff says DNA evidence is also critical to the case, but that it is still being analyzed.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on January 31.
  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1 after she didn't show up at a friend's home.
  • The FBI released video footage from Nancy's porch last month showing a suspect.
  • The Guthrie family announced a $1 million reward for Nancy's recovery on February 24.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona on January 31.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of the 'TODAY' show and Nancy Guthrie's daughter.

Chris Nanos

The sheriff in Tucson, Arizona who is leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that has joined the local investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“I think the investigators are definitely closer.”

— Chris Nanos, Sheriff (nbcboston.com)

“We feel the love and prayers from our neighbors, from the Tucson community and from around the country. Please don't stop praying and hoping with us. Bring her home.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

“Momma, We miss you so much! Our hearts are broken. We are standing on ash, scorched earth! But, mom, though we are surrounded by so much darkness and uncertainty, our love burns bright.”

— Savannah Guthrie and family (Note left at tribute)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect, who was seen on Nancy Guthrie's porch the morning she disappeared, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving missing persons cases, especially those involving vulnerable adults. It also underscores the importance of community support and the power of high-profile media attention in bringing attention to such cases and potentially aiding in the search for missing individuals.